My MD and Me
September 22, 2010 at 2:20 pm 4 comments
Well, folks, yesterday’s post generated the most comments in C&C history!
Thank you SO much to all who took the time to say a few words. I am truly grateful…reading your comments is why I do this. It truly fills my soul
I was touched (and very surprised!) at the outpouring of people who told me to ditch my MD. In all honesty, I like him. He’s a good doctor, but I think this brings up an alltogether bigger point:
How is your MD talking to you about weight? It’s no secret that most doctors get NO nutrition education in school, and often their bedside manner can be…less than stellar.
Here’s how my conversation went:
MD: “Hmmm, you’ve gained 11 pounds in the past year”
Me: “Yeah, I know.”
MD: “Tsk Tsk (yes, he did that!) Not good. You just need to eat less. Stop snacking. De-stress.”
Me: “Um, OK. I know what I need to do.”
Seriously, it was as basic as that. He didn’t really probe any deeper. Had he done that, he would learn that I have a history of emotional/compulsive eating, and “eating less” is not as simple as he makes it out to be. I mean, when you eat your emotions, as I did for so long, “stopping snacking” seems almost impossible.
For the record, my MD was not telling me that I was fat. He was, in his own, special (wink wink) way, telling me that a weight gain of 11 pounds in a year is concerning to him. I mean, it’s not a real concern since I’m perfectly healthy, but whatever, I appreciate the feedback.
But this brings up a good point: Find someone you can talk to about your health and nutrition. There are so many health counselors and RDs out there who want to HELP YOU. They will really, truly, listen to you and will create a plan to help you achieve your goals.
I can only imagine how desperate someone else in my position would feel after talking to my MD. Seek support! If you need any recommendations, you can always contact me at amanda@cakeandcarrots.com
What’s your relationship with your MD like?
Entry filed under: nutrition. Tags: doctor, nutrition, personal.
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Cake & Carrots 
1.
meganwmoore | September 22, 2010 at 2:39 pm
I kind of hate my MD.
But luckily due to my lapse in health insurance, I haven’t seen him lately!
Anyway, we have kind of a strained relationship, especially concerning my weight.
Every time we meet, my weight is brought up, but in our most recent visits he has said things to the effect of, “You know how I feel about your weight, but all your tests are coming back perfect. Your blood sugar, your cholesterol, your blood pressure are all exactly where they should be, so I can’t really chastise you.”
Also, one time he told me I ate too much fruit.
Needless to say, i’m on the look out for a new primary care physician for when my new health insurance kicks in next month.
2.
Amanda | September 22, 2010 at 2:58 pm
You know, Megan, I wanted to talk to you about your fruit consumption. It’s getting a bit out of control 😉
There’s a great movement called Health At Every Size (HAES) which is proponant for health…at every size!!!! check it out…it’s a great organization.
And congrats on your perfect health!
3.
Matthew Goldfarb | September 22, 2010 at 3:25 pm
Hey doll,
This is an interesting conversation, and it makes me wonder, (as I also have the same doctor), is the weight gain a concern for the doctor from a health standpoint (Cholesterol, heart health) or just a “you’re becoming a fattie” standpoint. I agree, the doctor should ask what is going on and why and even refer you to someone to help you (which he actually did when my cholesterol got too high). I think my doctor told me that for my body size, and my heart history it was in my interest to lose weight to make it easier to stay healthy. Is that a consideration as well?
4.
yummiee cupcake | September 22, 2010 at 11:03 pm
i’m not a RD but i have worked with doctors. i have had a better experiences with the MDs than nurses.